Easy Weeknight Dinners for 2

# Easy Weeknight Dinners for Two: Quick and Delicious Meals

Struggling to find the time and energy to cook after a long day? As a busy professional or a couple juggling work and personal commitments, you know the challenge of putting together a tasty and nutritious dinner on a weeknight. But fear not! With a little planning and some simple recipes, you can enjoy easy and delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade culinary delights that will satisfy your taste buds and impress your partner or roommate. Let’s dive into some quick and mouth-watering dinner ideas for two!

## Easy Pasta Night

Pasta is a classic go-to for a reason! It’s quick, versatile, and always satisfying. For an easy weeknight dinner, try this simple recipe:

– **Ingredients:** 200g spaghetti or your favorite pasta, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 4 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 cups baby spinach, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated), salt and pepper to taste.

– **Instructions:**
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring frequently for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
3. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until just wilted, stirring occasionally. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
5. Add the cooked pasta and the parmesan cheese to the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Toss everything together, adding a little pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy the comfort of a quick and delicious pasta dish.

## Chicken Stir-Fry in a Hurry

Stir-frying is a great technique to cook a quick and healthy meal. This chicken stir-fry recipe is packed with flavor and veggies, making it a well-rounded dinner option.

– **Ingredients:** 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces), 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 medium onion (sliced), 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 cup snow peas, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 1/4 cup chicken broth, salt and pepper.

– **Instructions:**
1. In a bowl, marinate the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch for about 15 minutes.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned, stirring frequently. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
3. In the same wok or skillet, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, broccoli, and snow peas. Stir-fry the veggies for about 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
4. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute while stirring.
5. Return the chicken to the wok or skillet, and pour in the chicken broth. Simmer for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over steamed rice for a hearty weeknight dinner.

## Veggie-Loaded Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a quick fix for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast. This veggie-loaded version is a healthier take on the classic, and it’s just as delicious.

– **Ingredients:** 2 large flour tortillas, 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend, 1/2 cup cooked black beans (drained and rinsed), 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed from frozen), 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color), 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, a squeeze of lime juice, optional toppings (salsa, sour cream, guacamole).

– **Instructions:**
1. In a bowl, mix together the cheese, black beans, corn, bell peppers, red onion, cilantro, cumin, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Place one tortilla in a large skillet over medium heat. Spread half of the cheese and veggie mixture over one half of the tortilla, then fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape.
3. Cook the quesadilla for about 2-3 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
4. Cut each quesadilla into wedges, and serve with your choice of toppings. Enjoy a tasty and satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.

## Quick Salmon with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce

Salmon is a great option for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. This recipe pairs the fish with a tangy and refreshing lemon-dill yogurt sauce.

– **Ingredients:** 2 salmon fillets (about 150g each), 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil.

– **Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the sauce aside.
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
4. Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the fish is cooked to your desired doneness.
5. Serve the salmon with a dollop of the lemon-dill yogurt sauce on top. Accompany it with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

## One-Pan Veggie and Sausage Bake

A one-pan meal is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. This recipe combines savory sausage with plenty of veggies for a hearty and satisfying dinner.

– **Ingredients:** 4 fresh pork or chicken sausages, 2 medium potatoes (cut into 1-inch cubes), 2 medium carrots (sliced), 1 medium onion (chopped), 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt and pepper.

– **Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large baking dish or sheet pan, toss together the potatoes, carrots, onion, broccoli, and olive oil. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Nestle the sausages into the vegetables, making sure they are in a single layer.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring the vegetables halfway through, until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy a cozy, comforting meal with minimal cleanup.

## Quick Shrimp Fried Rice

Fried rice is a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and create a delicious, Asian-inspired meal in no time. This shrimp fried rice recipe is a quick and tasty option for busy nights.

– **Ingredients:** 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 large eggs (beaten), 2 cups cooked and cooled rice (preferably day-old), 1/2 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed), 2 green onions (sliced), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, salt and pepper.

– **Instructions:**
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble them until just set, then transfer to a plate.
2. In the same wok or skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer the cooked shrimp to the plate with the scrambled eggs.
3. Add the cooked rice to the wok or skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry the rice for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Add the peas and carrots, green onions, and garlic. Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Return the eggs and shrimp to the wok or skillet, and add the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying fried rice dish.

## Easy Taco Night

Tacos are always a crowd-pleaser, and they can be a fun and interactive weeknight dinner option. Set up a taco bar with various toppings and let your partner or roommate customize their own.

– **Ingredients:**